Lonely Ch 2
Title: Lonely Ch 2
Author: limnological
Rating: PG
Pairing: YoonYul
Description: AU, Slice of life
Chapter 2
Day 1
School uniform on, Yuri’s jaw tightened as she stared at the younger girl standing in front of her house.
“Good morning, Yuri!” It was accompanied with a wide smile.
Of course, Yuri was near blind without glasses on, but it was still possible for her to figure out if Yoona was smiling at her.
“Morning.” It was a quiet and reclusive response, but Yoona just continued smiling on.
Why is she smiling at me?
Yuri was not used to this. Not used to people greeting her in the morning and definitely not used to sincere smiles directed at her. She didn’t know what else to say or do so she started to walk with Yoona behind her.
With each step, Yuri felt like she was walking on eggshells. She started sweating a little bit, afraid of when Yoona was going to start talking.
Words are scary, words are scary.
She repeated the mantra to herself as she started to breathe harder.
But to her surprise, Yoona did not ask any questions, did not start speaking, did not bother her. She walked by her side quietly.
Yuri stole a glance at Yoona, confused as to why there weren’t any words spoken between them, but she couldn’t read her face.
Wait. Why should I care? It’s better this way. If she doesn’t talk a lot, then the chances of her hurting me will be slim.
Yuri’s peace was not disturbed the whole walk to school, until they were near the front gate.
“I’ll explain the situation to Mrs. Lee. There’s an empty seat next to you right? I’ll ask her if I can switch seats and sit next to you. Then you can copy my notes during class.”
That’s a good idea.
Yuri nodded.
After passing the front gate, Yuri’s nerves went on edge again. It felt like everyone was staring at her because Yoona had come to school with her. Words were being thrown in the air again and Yuri wanted to close her eyes as if she could shut the noises down with them.
Her ears picked up on snippets of certain conversations as they walked by.
“What’s Im Yoona doing with her?”
“Who’s that?”
They’re talking about me. They’re saying awful things about me. They’re being mean. They’re saying -
“Yuri, do you have work or any after school activities?” Yoona’s clear voice cut through her thoughts and the noise around her.
Yuri’s ears zoned in on that comfortably soft voice. “No.”
The whispers in the background died down a little as Yuri continued to focus her attention on Yoona’s voice.
“Oh okay. I can walk you home after school. I have a part time job at a local café near your house. I should be able to walk you home and then get to work on time.”
“Hey Yoona.”
Someone in the hallway greeted Yoona as they walked by. Yoona smiled and waved at the stranger.
“Good morning!”
Yuri expected Yoona to stop walking and start conversation with this person, but it didn’t happen. She continued walking on with Yuri and then it happened again. Another stranger said hello, but Yoona continued waltzing on with Yuri, giving the other person a quick greeting.
They reached the classroom and Yoona smiled at Yuri.
“I’ll go talk to Mrs. Lee now.”
Yuri nodded and took her seat in the back of the classroom. She took out her sketchbook and started thinking about designs. Before her pencil reached her paper, she stole a quick glance up at Yoona who was now in the front of the classroom. She was done speaking with Mrs. Lee, and some students had flocked around her.
Yoona smiled at them and laughed widely. Yuri was too far to hear what they were talking about. The other girls laughed, too.
I wonder what’s so funny.
Yuri looked back down at her sketchbook and then once again up at Yoona in the far distance.
Yoona’s very friendly and popular.
--
Luckily for Yuri, Yoona’s handwriting was very neat and organized.
“Yuri, please read page 45 starting from the 3rd paragraph down.” Mrs. Lee called out from behind her desk.
Yuri cleared her throat, getting ready to read, but the person next to her raised her hand.
“Excuse me, Mrs. Lee?”
Mrs. Lee looked up from her textbook and gave Yoona her attention. Everyone in the class turned their heads to look at Yoona.
“Yes, Yoona?”
“I would like to volunteer to read.”
Yuri’s eyes widened and she wanted to speak up, but her words wouldn’t get out of her throat.
I can still read from the book.
“Very well.” Mrs. Lee complied.
Yoona stood and began reading.
When she was done, she glanced over at Yuri, but was surprised to see a look of frustration on Yuri’s face.
--
When lunch time came around, Yuri was surprised that Yoona initiated a conversation with her.
“Where do you eat your lunch?”
“Courtyard.” Yuri’s last letter trailed off, realizing what Yoona was about to do.
“Would you like to come to the canteen with me? I usually buy my lunch. We can go to the courtyard after.”
There are too many people there.
Yuri shook her head.
“Oh… I guess I’ll meet you in the courtyard then.”
Even if Yuri was too blind to see faraway objects, she could still see the slight disappointment in Yoona’s face as she rejected the invitation.
--
Yuri sat in her favorite spot under her favorite tree as she ate her meal quickly. As she finished up her lunch, she took out her sketchbook and began sketching new designs.
I’ll design jackets today.
She continued working barely noticing that Yoona was standing next to her, looking at what she was doing.
“You draw?”
Eep!
Yuri almost jumped up, surprised by Yoona’s appearance. Her sketchbook fell from her lap and onto the ground. Yoona knelt down, her hands holding an abundance of breads, sandwiches, chips, and drinks. She put everything down and picked up Yuri’s sketchpad for her.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Heart still beating fast from the scare, Yuri said nothing else as she abruptly took her sketchbook back from Yoona’s hands.
She resumed drawing as Yoona started to eat her lunch. A few minutes passed by and Yuri almost forgot Yoona was by her side, but then the latter spoke up.
“Yuri, can I ask you something?”
Yuri stilled her hand and braced herself.
If I say no, will she still ask me?
Yoona picked at the grass next to them, her fingers rubbing the blades of grass together. Her eyes concentrated on her own hands.
“Is my company bothersome?”
The question took Yuri by surprise.
Bothersome? I don’t think that’s the right word…
Yuri thought it, but she didn’t say it. The quiet pause lingered in the air for a few more moments before Yoona spoke again.
“Nevermind.”
Yoona brushed the grass off her clothing and stood up. She turned to Yuri briefly and smiled.
“I’ll see you in class.”
Yuri opened her mouth, but her voice was stuck.
She watched Yoona walk away from her.
Yuri was almost near blind without her glasses, but she wasn’t blind enough to notice the pain on Yoona’s face.
She had done something that had hurt Yoona, but she wasn’t sure what.
--
When lunch was over, Yuri had a tough time getting back to class in a timely manner. She was being extremely cautious to not bump into people or things. Her eyes hurt from squinting so much, but it couldn’t be helped.
The walk to school was easy, but I can barely get back to class… Was Yoona really that helpful?
When she reached the classroom, Yoona wasn’t there. Yuri took her seat and began to ponder what had happened over lunch.
Why did she look so disappointed?
A conversation off in the distance broke through Yuri’s concentration.
“…Why are you mad at me?”
Yuri looked up at the far corner of the classroom, unable to recognize the faces of who were talking. The two students were bickering over something, one blonde and one brunette.
“What did I do or say?”
“It’s what you didn’t do or say.”
That simple sentence struck a chord within Yuri’s heart.
“What?”
“Figure it out yourself, moron.” The brunette stormed out of the classroom, with the blonde chasing after her, calling her name.
“Tiffany!”
“Jessica and Tiffany must be at it again…” Yoona took her seat next to Yuri after observing the small scene. She said nothing else as she took out her notebooks from her desk.
“It’s what you didn’t do or say.”
Yuri thought some more about this sentence and finally reached her conclusion.
Words were dangerous, but the lack of words was also dangerous.
So you can hurt a person without words. I must’ve hurt Yoona when I didn’t say anything. That’s not what I meant… I didn’t mean to hurt Yoona.
She stole a glance at the other girl who wasn’t paying attention to her.
I shouldn’t do mean things like that.
Breathing deeply, Yuri worked up her courage.
I should explain myself.
“Yoo -“
“Let’s begin class.” Mrs. Lee walked inside and yelled it over the noises of the classroom.
Yuri frowned.
Her apology would have to wait until class was over.
--
I should apologize.
She thought about it throughout the rest of class, unable to focus.
I need to tell her that I try not to speak a lot because words are scary. I just need to explain that she’s not bothersome, and that I’m not used to company.
She rehearsed it over and over again in her head, but when the bell rang to indicate class was over, she froze.
Noise erupted in the classroom as students began to pack their things and talk to one another. Yoona said nothing to her, but started to pack her things.
Now. Say it now.
Yuri gulped.
“Yoona.” It was so soft that Yoona barely heard it.
Fortunately she did and she turned to face Yuri.
“Yes?”
Say it.
Yoona was looking directly into her eyes causing Yuri to fidget. Yuri moved her eyes, looking everywhere, but Yoona’s direction.
“I -“ She started it off even softer than when she had called for Yoona’s attention.
“I can’t hear you.” Yoona leaned slightly forward, trying to hear those soft words.
Yuri’s hands clasped together in her lap, fingers fidgeting as she worked up more courage to speak louder.
“I’m - I’m not good with words… Words are scary… Words mix up… voice and thoughts… Uh, your company…” It sounded much prettier in her head. She continued rambling on and on. “…Bothersome no. Don’t have friends… Agh! I’m trying to say… I’m just not used to being around people.”
Yuri exhaled sharply, hoping that Yoona understood at least half of that.
The lack of response from Yoona made Yuri even more nervous.
I’ve said something stupid, haven’t I? Everything I say is stupid!
Yuri became extremely frustrated with herself and her eyebrows started to wrinkle together. Her eyes widened when she felt a finger press down the crease between her eyebrows. She looked up at Yoona who was smiling. Yuri blushed as Yoona retracted her hand and smiled even wider.
“Thank you for explaining, Yuri. This morning I thought you were mad at me or something because you didn’t seem happy to see me. And the whole walk you didn’t seem comfortable at all. I was just starting to get this vibe that you didn’t like me. But now I think I understand. Just talk as much as you’re comfortable with.”
She understands?
“Let’s go home, Yuri.”
Yoona stood, smiling wider at Yuri.
She understands.
Yuri smiled slightly.
“Yes, let’s go home.”
----------
TBC
Author: limnological
Rating: PG
Pairing: YoonYul
Description: AU, Slice of life
Chapter 2
Day 1
School uniform on, Yuri’s jaw tightened as she stared at the younger girl standing in front of her house.
“Good morning, Yuri!” It was accompanied with a wide smile.
Of course, Yuri was near blind without glasses on, but it was still possible for her to figure out if Yoona was smiling at her.
“Morning.” It was a quiet and reclusive response, but Yoona just continued smiling on.
Why is she smiling at me?
Yuri was not used to this. Not used to people greeting her in the morning and definitely not used to sincere smiles directed at her. She didn’t know what else to say or do so she started to walk with Yoona behind her.
With each step, Yuri felt like she was walking on eggshells. She started sweating a little bit, afraid of when Yoona was going to start talking.
Words are scary, words are scary.
She repeated the mantra to herself as she started to breathe harder.
But to her surprise, Yoona did not ask any questions, did not start speaking, did not bother her. She walked by her side quietly.
Yuri stole a glance at Yoona, confused as to why there weren’t any words spoken between them, but she couldn’t read her face.
Wait. Why should I care? It’s better this way. If she doesn’t talk a lot, then the chances of her hurting me will be slim.
Yuri’s peace was not disturbed the whole walk to school, until they were near the front gate.
“I’ll explain the situation to Mrs. Lee. There’s an empty seat next to you right? I’ll ask her if I can switch seats and sit next to you. Then you can copy my notes during class.”
That’s a good idea.
Yuri nodded.
After passing the front gate, Yuri’s nerves went on edge again. It felt like everyone was staring at her because Yoona had come to school with her. Words were being thrown in the air again and Yuri wanted to close her eyes as if she could shut the noises down with them.
Her ears picked up on snippets of certain conversations as they walked by.
“What’s Im Yoona doing with her?”
“Who’s that?”
They’re talking about me. They’re saying awful things about me. They’re being mean. They’re saying -
“Yuri, do you have work or any after school activities?” Yoona’s clear voice cut through her thoughts and the noise around her.
Yuri’s ears zoned in on that comfortably soft voice. “No.”
The whispers in the background died down a little as Yuri continued to focus her attention on Yoona’s voice.
“Oh okay. I can walk you home after school. I have a part time job at a local café near your house. I should be able to walk you home and then get to work on time.”
“Hey Yoona.”
Someone in the hallway greeted Yoona as they walked by. Yoona smiled and waved at the stranger.
“Good morning!”
Yuri expected Yoona to stop walking and start conversation with this person, but it didn’t happen. She continued walking on with Yuri and then it happened again. Another stranger said hello, but Yoona continued waltzing on with Yuri, giving the other person a quick greeting.
They reached the classroom and Yoona smiled at Yuri.
“I’ll go talk to Mrs. Lee now.”
Yuri nodded and took her seat in the back of the classroom. She took out her sketchbook and started thinking about designs. Before her pencil reached her paper, she stole a quick glance up at Yoona who was now in the front of the classroom. She was done speaking with Mrs. Lee, and some students had flocked around her.
Yoona smiled at them and laughed widely. Yuri was too far to hear what they were talking about. The other girls laughed, too.
I wonder what’s so funny.
Yuri looked back down at her sketchbook and then once again up at Yoona in the far distance.
Yoona’s very friendly and popular.
--
Luckily for Yuri, Yoona’s handwriting was very neat and organized.
“Yuri, please read page 45 starting from the 3rd paragraph down.” Mrs. Lee called out from behind her desk.
Yuri cleared her throat, getting ready to read, but the person next to her raised her hand.
“Excuse me, Mrs. Lee?”
Mrs. Lee looked up from her textbook and gave Yoona her attention. Everyone in the class turned their heads to look at Yoona.
“Yes, Yoona?”
“I would like to volunteer to read.”
Yuri’s eyes widened and she wanted to speak up, but her words wouldn’t get out of her throat.
I can still read from the book.
“Very well.” Mrs. Lee complied.
Yoona stood and began reading.
When she was done, she glanced over at Yuri, but was surprised to see a look of frustration on Yuri’s face.
--
When lunch time came around, Yuri was surprised that Yoona initiated a conversation with her.
“Where do you eat your lunch?”
“Courtyard.” Yuri’s last letter trailed off, realizing what Yoona was about to do.
“Would you like to come to the canteen with me? I usually buy my lunch. We can go to the courtyard after.”
There are too many people there.
Yuri shook her head.
“Oh… I guess I’ll meet you in the courtyard then.”
Even if Yuri was too blind to see faraway objects, she could still see the slight disappointment in Yoona’s face as she rejected the invitation.
--
Yuri sat in her favorite spot under her favorite tree as she ate her meal quickly. As she finished up her lunch, she took out her sketchbook and began sketching new designs.
I’ll design jackets today.
She continued working barely noticing that Yoona was standing next to her, looking at what she was doing.
“You draw?”
Eep!
Yuri almost jumped up, surprised by Yoona’s appearance. Her sketchbook fell from her lap and onto the ground. Yoona knelt down, her hands holding an abundance of breads, sandwiches, chips, and drinks. She put everything down and picked up Yuri’s sketchpad for her.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Heart still beating fast from the scare, Yuri said nothing else as she abruptly took her sketchbook back from Yoona’s hands.
She resumed drawing as Yoona started to eat her lunch. A few minutes passed by and Yuri almost forgot Yoona was by her side, but then the latter spoke up.
“Yuri, can I ask you something?”
Yuri stilled her hand and braced herself.
If I say no, will she still ask me?
Yoona picked at the grass next to them, her fingers rubbing the blades of grass together. Her eyes concentrated on her own hands.
“Is my company bothersome?”
The question took Yuri by surprise.
Bothersome? I don’t think that’s the right word…
Yuri thought it, but she didn’t say it. The quiet pause lingered in the air for a few more moments before Yoona spoke again.
“Nevermind.”
Yoona brushed the grass off her clothing and stood up. She turned to Yuri briefly and smiled.
“I’ll see you in class.”
Yuri opened her mouth, but her voice was stuck.
She watched Yoona walk away from her.
Yuri was almost near blind without her glasses, but she wasn’t blind enough to notice the pain on Yoona’s face.
She had done something that had hurt Yoona, but she wasn’t sure what.
--
When lunch was over, Yuri had a tough time getting back to class in a timely manner. She was being extremely cautious to not bump into people or things. Her eyes hurt from squinting so much, but it couldn’t be helped.
The walk to school was easy, but I can barely get back to class… Was Yoona really that helpful?
When she reached the classroom, Yoona wasn’t there. Yuri took her seat and began to ponder what had happened over lunch.
Why did she look so disappointed?
A conversation off in the distance broke through Yuri’s concentration.
“…Why are you mad at me?”
Yuri looked up at the far corner of the classroom, unable to recognize the faces of who were talking. The two students were bickering over something, one blonde and one brunette.
“What did I do or say?”
“It’s what you didn’t do or say.”
That simple sentence struck a chord within Yuri’s heart.
“What?”
“Figure it out yourself, moron.” The brunette stormed out of the classroom, with the blonde chasing after her, calling her name.
“Tiffany!”
“Jessica and Tiffany must be at it again…” Yoona took her seat next to Yuri after observing the small scene. She said nothing else as she took out her notebooks from her desk.
“It’s what you didn’t do or say.”
Yuri thought some more about this sentence and finally reached her conclusion.
Words were dangerous, but the lack of words was also dangerous.
So you can hurt a person without words. I must’ve hurt Yoona when I didn’t say anything. That’s not what I meant… I didn’t mean to hurt Yoona.
She stole a glance at the other girl who wasn’t paying attention to her.
I shouldn’t do mean things like that.
Breathing deeply, Yuri worked up her courage.
I should explain myself.
“Yoo -“
“Let’s begin class.” Mrs. Lee walked inside and yelled it over the noises of the classroom.
Yuri frowned.
Her apology would have to wait until class was over.
--
I should apologize.
She thought about it throughout the rest of class, unable to focus.
I need to tell her that I try not to speak a lot because words are scary. I just need to explain that she’s not bothersome, and that I’m not used to company.
She rehearsed it over and over again in her head, but when the bell rang to indicate class was over, she froze.
Noise erupted in the classroom as students began to pack their things and talk to one another. Yoona said nothing to her, but started to pack her things.
Now. Say it now.
Yuri gulped.
“Yoona.” It was so soft that Yoona barely heard it.
Fortunately she did and she turned to face Yuri.
“Yes?”
Say it.
Yoona was looking directly into her eyes causing Yuri to fidget. Yuri moved her eyes, looking everywhere, but Yoona’s direction.
“I -“ She started it off even softer than when she had called for Yoona’s attention.
“I can’t hear you.” Yoona leaned slightly forward, trying to hear those soft words.
Yuri’s hands clasped together in her lap, fingers fidgeting as she worked up more courage to speak louder.
“I’m - I’m not good with words… Words are scary… Words mix up… voice and thoughts… Uh, your company…” It sounded much prettier in her head. She continued rambling on and on. “…Bothersome no. Don’t have friends… Agh! I’m trying to say… I’m just not used to being around people.”
Yuri exhaled sharply, hoping that Yoona understood at least half of that.
The lack of response from Yoona made Yuri even more nervous.
I’ve said something stupid, haven’t I? Everything I say is stupid!
Yuri became extremely frustrated with herself and her eyebrows started to wrinkle together. Her eyes widened when she felt a finger press down the crease between her eyebrows. She looked up at Yoona who was smiling. Yuri blushed as Yoona retracted her hand and smiled even wider.
“Thank you for explaining, Yuri. This morning I thought you were mad at me or something because you didn’t seem happy to see me. And the whole walk you didn’t seem comfortable at all. I was just starting to get this vibe that you didn’t like me. But now I think I understand. Just talk as much as you’re comfortable with.”
She understands?
“Let’s go home, Yuri.”
Yoona stood, smiling wider at Yuri.
She understands.
Yuri smiled slightly.
“Yes, let’s go home.”
----------
TBC